U.S. patent application number 15/752295 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-23 for method for producing an anatomical dental implant.
The applicant listed for this patent is NT-TRADING GMBH & CO.KG. Invention is credited to Dirk JAHN.
Application Number | 20180235739 15/752295 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56615976 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180235739 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JAHN; Dirk |
August 23, 2018 |
METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN ANATOMICAL DENTAL IMPLANT
Abstract
A method for producing a bone replacement, a cavity or a bone
being detected in a fully automated manner and the bone replacement
being produced based on the detection also in a fully automated
manner. It is also possible to produce information in relation to
medical instruments or navigation information in a fully automated
manner.
Inventors: |
JAHN; Dirk; (Weyher,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NT-TRADING GMBH & CO.KG |
Karlsruhe |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
56615976 |
Appl. No.: |
15/752295 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
August 10, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2016/069054 |
371 Date: |
February 13, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 6/14 20130101; B33Y
80/00 20141201; A61F 2/2803 20130101; A61C 13/0019 20130101; A61F
2002/2889 20130101; A61C 13/0013 20130101; A61F 2002/2835 20130101;
B33Y 10/00 20141201; A61C 13/0004 20130101; A61B 6/032 20130101;
A61C 8/0036 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61C 13/00 20060101
A61C013/00; A61C 8/00 20060101 A61C008/00; A61B 6/03 20060101
A61B006/03 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 14, 2015 |
DE |
10 2015 215 587.0 |
Claims
1. A method for producing a bone replacement, wherein the method
includes the following steps: measuring a cavity in a bone for
producing initial data which are indicative for a structure of the
cavity, producing processing data from the initial data, wherein
the processing data are indicative for an intended structure of the
bone replacement, and producing the bone replacement by automated
processing using the processing data.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cavity is arranged
in a mandible or maxilla for receiving a tooth root.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of measuring
the cavity is carried out while a tooth or tooth replacement or a
tooth root or a tooth root replacement is situated in the
cavity.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of measuring
the cavity is carried out by means of computed tomography (CT),
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or digital video tomography
(DVT).
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the initial data are
converted into computer-aided design (CAD) data and the processing
data are produced on the basis of the CAD data.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing data
are produced dependent on the cavity and/or a position of the
cavity.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a finite element
analysis is applied to the processing data before producing the
bone replacement, to be precise, in particular, taking account of
data in respect of the maxilla, mandible, occlusion and/or bone
structure.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of
optimizing and/or redesigning the processing data before producing
the bone replacement.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of checking
the bone replacement, after the production thereof, by means of
computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or
digital video tomography (DVT).
10. The method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of
after-treatment of the bone replacement after the production
thereof, in particular depending on a check, and in particular at a
root region or at a gingiva contact region.
11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bone replacement
is a tooth implant or has a tooth implant.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein a tooth or tooth
replacement situated in the cavity is also measured during the step
of measuring the cavity for the purposes of producing further
initial data which are indicative for a structure, in particular a
surface, of the tooth.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein further processing
data are produced on the basis of the further initial data, said
further processing data being indicative for an intended structure
of a dental prosthesis and/or for an intended structure of a
prosthesis crown/bridge absorption component.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the further initial
data which are indicative for the intended structure of a dental
prosthesis are produced by means of computer-aided design
(CAD).
15. The method as claimed in claim 13, including the step of
producing a dental prosthesis on the basis of the further initial
data, to be precise, in particular, by milling and/or a generative
manufacturing method.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the dental
prosthesis is embodied in integral fashion with a tooth implant or
separately from the tooth implant.
17. The method as claimed in claim 15, including the step of
checking the dental prosthesis, in particular by means of computed
tomography (CT) or a 3D scan.
18. The method as claimed in claim 15, including the step of
treating the dental prosthesis further, in particular by way of a
surface treatment, wherein the further treatment preferably
includes coating a jawbone or gingiva contact region, sterilizing
and/or packaging.
19. The method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of
ascertaining respective types of a number of instruments, in
particular surgical instruments, on the basis of the initial data,
the processing data, a root canal, a design of an implant and/or a
design of a dental prosthesis.
20. The method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of
ascertaining navigation information, in particular in relation to a
mandible or a maxilla, on the basis of the initial data, the
processing data, a root canal, a design of an implant and/or a
design of a dental prosthesis.
21. A bone replacement, produced or producible according to a
method as claimed in claim 1.
Description
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing a bone
replacement and to a bone replacement.
[0002] Bone replacements can be inserted into human or animal bones
in order to replace a piece of bone that is no longer present or
should be removed. By way of example, such a replacement may become
necessary if a tooth root, on account of disease, is destroyed, not
disposed or otherwise defective, or if part of a bone was knocked
out on account of an accident.
[0003] As a rule, it is necessary, for bone replacements, to
establish a fit that is as good as possible between a bone
replacement and a cavity in which the bone replacement should be
received. This facilitates a fit without play and a good seat in
the long-term.
[0004] Known methods for producing a bone replacement are typically
based on taking a print of the cavity using a mass which can
solidify in the cavity and producing the bone replacement on the
basis thereof. However, this is accompanied by the disadvantage
that an intervention has to be undertaken on the patient for this
purpose and that, moreover, the formation of such a print is only
possible once the cavity is free and accessible from the outside.
By way of example, the production of a replacement for a tooth root
is consequently only possible once the tooth root has been removed
from the jaw. On account of the time duration connected therewith,
this may constitute a significant stress on the patient. Moreover,
steps to be carried out manually, in particular, produce sources of
errors which may lead to errors when treating the patient.
Problem and Solution
[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
method for producing a bone replacement which, for example,
facilitates a performance requiring faster or fewer interventions
on the patient. Further, it is an object of the invention to
provide a bone replacement which avoids disadvantages known from
the prior art.
[0006] According to the invention, this is achieved by a method as
claimed in claim 1 and by a bone replacement as claimed in claim
21. By way of example, advantageous configurations can be gathered
from the dependent claims. The content of the claims is expressly
incorporated into the content of the description by reference.
[0007] The invention relates to a method for producing a bone
replacement, wherein the method includes the following steps:
[0008] measuring a cavity in a bone for producing initial data
which are indicative for a structure of the cavity, [0009]
producing processing data from the initial data, wherein the
processing data are indicative for an intended structure of the
bone replacement, and [0010] producing the bone replacement by
automated processing using the processing data.
[0011] A far-reaching automation of the production of a bone
replacement is possible by way of the method according to the
invention. This can significantly reduce necessary interventions
and the time required overall, representing a significant relief
for the patient. In particular, the procedure of producing the bone
replacement can be automated further, and so the risk of possible
human errors is also minimized.
[0012] Typically, a cavity can be a hollow space, in particular a
hollow space accessible from the outside, in a human or animal
bone. Said cavity may have been produced deliberately, for example
by means of medical instruments or by pulling a tooth, or else
inadvertently such as in the case of an accident. Typically, the
cavity should be refilled within the scope of the method such that,
in the ideal case, the patient after their treatment no longer
notices that the cavity once was originally present in the body in
a non-filled state.
[0013] The structure of the cavity can be, in particular, the
three-dimensional structure of the cavity. The latter can be
described in a suitable manner by the initial data. By way of
example, the cavity can be converted into three-dimensional pixel
data. By way of example, the cavity can also be described as a
vector file.
[0014] Typically, the processing data are located on a different
level to the initial data. While the initial data are typically
based on a measurement, the processing data are designed to be
typically immediately usable for the automated production of the
bone replacement. By way of example, these processing data can be
NC data or CNC data, which can be used immediately in a machine
tool for the automated production of the bone replacement.
[0015] According to an embodiment, the bone replacement is a bone
implant or has a bone implant. Preferably, the bone implant is a
jawbone implant, in particular a maxilla implant or mandible
implant.
[0016] Preferably, the bone replacement is a tooth implant, an
abutment and/or a dental prosthesis (artificial tooth crown) or has
a tooth implant, an abutment and/or a dental prosthesis (artificial
tooth crown).
[0017] Within the meaning of the present invention, the expression
"abutment" should be understood to mean a connecting structure or a
connecting part (mesoscopic structure) between a tooth implant and
a dental prosthesis. In the case of a customized implant, the
abutment serves, in particular, to compensate angular deflections
of the implant, caused by the insertion, in order to be able to
assume the prosthetic care in an ideal position of a tooth that is
no longer present. The connection to the implant is preferably
effectuated by way of screwing, the latter requiring a screw
channel and a certain rigidity. By way of example, the abutment may
also contain resilient and/or adhering components.
[0018] The bone replacement can be, in particular, a tooth implant
with, or else without, an abutment structure. Here, the tooth
implant and the abutment structure may constitute a bone
replacement with an integral embodiment.
[0019] In particular, the cavity can be arranged in a mandible or
in a maxilla for receiving a tooth root. Typically, such a cavity
is filled with a tooth root in the healthy state. If the tooth is
pulled, such a cavity is typically empty and refilled by the
insertion of a tooth implant. The cavity may also extend beyond the
region of a tooth root due to disease or accident, or else for
prosthetic reasons.
[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the step of measuring
the cavity is carried out while a tooth root or tooth root
replacement and/or a tooth or tooth replacement are situated in the
cavity. This facilitates particularly little stress for the patient
since the tooth only needs to be pulled once the manufacture of the
bone replacement has already been completed. Thus, the patient need
not mill around for days on end with a pulled tooth or a gap in the
teeth arising as a result thereof in order to wait for the
completion of the tooth implant.
[0021] The step of measuring the cavity is preferably carried out
by means of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), digital video tomography (DVT) or a 3D scan. Such methods
were found to be advantageous for carrying out the invention. In
particular, they facilitate the exact capture and evaluation of a
cavity in a bone without needing to introduce filler material or
any other curing material into the cavity for this purpose. For
such methods, the patient typically lies on a couch or sits or
stands in a certain position, with the cavity being captured
largely automatically. Moreover, it is possible to reliably
preclude errors on account of air bubbles, impression material that
got caught or other sources of errors.
[0022] Preferably, the initial data are converted into
computer-aided design (CAD) data, with the processing data being
produced on the basis of the CAD data. In particular, such CAD data
can be vector data. Such CAD data facilitate the conversion of the
initial data into data that can easily be processed further and
also processed manually where necessary, said data having a defined
structure and a defined resolution.
[0023] The processing data are preferably produced dependent on the
cavity and/or a position of the cavity. This facilitates taking
account of the type of cavity or a position of the cavity. By way
of example, when creating the processing data, it is possible to
take account of whether the cavity is situated in a maxilla or in a
mandible, or take account of the position in the respective jaw or
else in a completely different bone of a human or animal body.
Depending thereon, it is possible to use different parameters when
producing the processing data, said parameters taking account of
the respective local conditions, such as the deformability of the
bone or the degree to which the respective structure can be
loaded.
[0024] Preferably, a finite element analysis is applied to the
processing data before producing the bone replacement. In
particular, this is effectuated taking account of data in respect
of the maxilla, mandible, occlusion and/or bone structure. By means
of such a finite element analysis, it is possible to prepare the
data and adapt these in an improved manner to a specific device for
producing the bone replacement. The finite element analysis
particularly advantageously assists the analysis of biomechanical
systems such as, for example, bones, tendons, ligaments and even
blood vessels. By way of the finite element analysis as a
contactless imaging method, it is possible to carry out
measurements with a substantially larger dynamic range, in
particular, than with conventional measurement methods.
[0025] Within the meaning of the present invention, occlusion
should be understood to mean, in particular, the static and dynamic
contact relationship between maxillary teeth and mandibular teeth.
This contact relationship must have a harmonic/functional
embodiment in order to avoid damage to the stomatognathic system.
Dentally, the occlusion occurs in the region of the tooth chewing
surfaces and the corresponding antagonist tooth. In the broadest
sense, the chewing surface, which is shaped by cusps, slopes and
fissures, can be referred to as a filled cavity.
[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the method further has
the step of optimizing and/or redesigning (renewed production of)
the processing data before producing the bone replacement. Using
this, it is possible to optimize the structure of the bone
replacement. Optimizing and/or redesigning can be carried out both
manually and in an automated fashion in each case, for example by
means of a fixedly implemented algorithm. In particular, possibly
occurring tension may be compensated within the scope of a
redesign.
[0027] The production of the bone replacement can be effectuated by
milling and/or by a generative manufacturing method, such as e.g.
3D printing.
[0028] According to a further embodiment, the bone replacement has
a material or is formed from a material which is selected from the
group containing metals, polymers, synthetic polymers, biopolymers
(naturally occurring polymers), ceramics, cement materials and
combinations, in particular mixtures or composites, thereof.
[0029] By way of example, the bone replacement can contain a
material or be formed from a material which is selected from the
group containing titanium, proteins, gelatin, collagen,
polysaccharides, mucopolysaccharides, alginate, hyaluronic acid,
polyether ketone, polyether ether ketone, phosphates, calcium
phosphates, octacalcium phosphate (OCP), apatite, hydroxyapatite,
phosphate ceramics, calcium phosphate ceramics, apatite ceramics,
hydroxyapatite ceramics and combinations, in particular mixtures or
composites, thereof.
[0030] In particular, the bone replacement may contain octacalcium
phosphate (OCP) and biopolymers, such as e.g. gelatin, collagen,
alginate and/or hyaluronic acid, or consist of these materials.
[0031] According to a further embodiment, the bone replacement is
configured as a titanium foam, in particular a porous titanium
foam, preferably an open pore titanium foam.
[0032] In particular, the bone replacement may have a
microstructure, i.e. a structure with a pore dimension in the .mu.m
range (micrometer range). Preferably, the microstructure has a pore
dimension <2 nm. Furthermore, the pores of the microstructure
may have a honeycomb configuration.
[0033] Preferably, the bone replacement has a macroporous titanium
structure, i.e. a titanium structure with a pore dimension in the
.mu.m range (micrometer range). In particular, the bone replacement
may have a titanium structure with a pore dimension <2 nm.
Furthermore, the pores may have a honeycomb configuration.
Consequently, provision may be made according to the invention for
the bone replacement to have a so-called micro titanium honeycomb
structure.
[0034] Preferably, the method further includes a step of checking
the bone replacement, after the production thereof, by means of
computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or
digital video tomography (DVT). Using this, it is possible to check
whether the bone replacement was produced correctly before it is
supplied to a medical practitioner or inserted into a patient.
Unnecessary treatments with faulty bone replacements and the stress
for the patient connected therewith, and the risk of further
damage, can be advantageously avoided in this way. It should be
mentioned that it is also possible to use other procedures for
checking the bone replacement to the ones just mentioned above. In
particular, it is possible to use the same procedure for checking
the bone replacement as is also used for measuring the cavity. This
may save apparatus-based outlay.
[0035] Preferably, the method further includes a step of
after-treatment of the bone replacement after the production
thereof, to be precise, in particular, depending on a check, and in
particular at a jawbone region, at a tooth root region or at a
gingiva contact region. By way of example, the after-treatment can
be effectuated depending on, or in response to, the check of the
bone replacement. By way of example, identified faults in the bone
replacement can be corrected, in particular by ablating excessive
material or by adding missing material. This allows an even better
fit of the bone replacement to the cavity, even in the case of
processing faults which may occur within the scope of the
production process.
[0036] According to an embodiment, the bone replacement is a tooth
implant or has a tooth implant. This corresponds to a typical and
frequent application as teeth must often be wholly or partly
replaced on account of various types of damage. Moreover, the
method is particularly advantageous in this case since the time
which is required for producing the bone replacement and during
which a patient may optionally have to live with a gap in the teeth
or a temporary appliance may be minimized.
[0037] Preferably, a tooth or tooth replacement situated in the
cavity is also measured during the step of measuring the cavity, to
be precise, in particular, for the purposes of producing further
initial data which are indicative for a structure, in particular a
surface, of the tooth. This facilitates an integration of the
production of a dental prosthesis into the method procedure. It is
advantageously possible to dispense with additional steps or the
use of separate devices.
[0038] It is understood that a tooth can also be measured
independently of the cavity and the data obtained herefrom can be
used, for example, for producing a dental prosthesis. In so doing,
it is possible to correspondingly resort to the other embodiments
and variants described herein.
[0039] Further preferably, further processing data are produced on
the basis of the further initial data, said further processing data
being indicative for an intended structure of a dental prosthesis
and/or for an intended structure of a prosthesis crown/bridge
absorption component. Such processing data can be used in a manner
similar to the processing data already mentioned further above in
order to facilitate an automated production, wherein, as mentioned
above, a dental prosthesis and/or a prosthesis crown/bridge
absorption component are produced in this case. Here, a prosthesis
crown/bridge absorption component is understood to mean, in
particular, an element which is arranged between a dental
prosthesis and a tooth implant and which is embodied to absorb
shocks or other actions of force. The further initial data which
are indicative for the intended structure of a dental prosthesis
can advantageously be produced by means of computer-aided design
(CAD). Reference is made to the explanations provided further above
in respect of the advantages achievable therewith.
[0040] Preferably, the method further comprises a step of producing
a dental prosthesis on the basis of the further initial data,
wherein the production can be effectuated, in particular, by
milling and/or a generative manufacturing method, such as e.g. 3D
printing. This facilitates particularly advantageous integration of
the production of a tooth implant together with a dental
prosthesis, wherein, overall, only a minimum number of processing
procedures are required.
[0041] In particular, the dental prosthesis may be embodied in
integral fashion with the tooth implant. This facilitates a simple
production and a stable structure. However, it may also be embodied
separately from the tooth implant, which may, for example,
facilitate the use of special separate production techniques or the
provision of special components between a tooth implant and dental
prosthesis.
[0042] The method preferably further includes a step of checking
the dental prosthesis, to be precise, in particular, by means of
computed tomography (CT) or a 3D scan. Hence, it is possible to
ensure in a manner similar to what was already described above that
the prosthesis was produced correctly before the latter is
inserted. Malpractice and the complications connected therewith can
be avoided.
[0043] Further preferably, the method includes a step of treating
the dental prosthesis further, which may, in particular, contain a
surface treatment. Here, the further processing preferably includes
coating a jawbone and/or gingiva contact region, sterilizing and/or
packaging.
[0044] By means of a further treatment, in particular in the form
of a surface treatment, it is possible to correct a possible
processing error such that the desired dental prosthesis is
obtained, or can be used, despite certain deficiencies in the
production. A jawbone and/or gingiva contact region may, for
example, be coated with a porous material which establishes a
better connection to the jawbone and/or gingiva. A sterilization
can serve to remove or kill pathogens. Packaging can prepare the
prosthesis, in particular, for shipment to a medical practitioner,
for example by post.
[0045] Preferably, the method further includes a step of
ascertaining respective types of a number of instruments, in
particular surgical instruments, to be precise on the basis of the
initial data, the processing data, the presence or lack of a root
canal, a design (form) of a tooth implant, a design (form) of an
abutment and/or a design (form) of a dental prosthesis. This
facilitates the use of the data arising within the scope of the
method, or else the use of separate data, in order to simplify the
treatment for a medical practitioner to the extent that immediately
necessary instruments such as forceps or a drill are selected in
advance. Consequently, the medical practitioner need no longer
think independently prior to the treatment in respect of which
instruments he requires for the treatment. By way of example, a
certain toolset can be selected for the case where a root canal is
present or is intended to be processed. It is likewise possible to
take the design into account, for example in respect of dimensions
or surface conditions, in order to use tools that are suitable to
this end.
[0046] Preferably, the method further includes a step of
ascertaining navigation information, to be precise, in particular,
in relation to a mandible or a maxilla. This step may be based, in
particular, on the initial data, the processing data, a root canal,
a design of a tooth implant, a design of an abutment and/or a
design of a dental prosthesis. Such navigation information may be
pre-manufactured information for the medical practitioner,
simplifying the treatment for the latter such that said medical
practitioner immediately knows, for example, the position on the
body or on a jaw at which treatment should be effectuated. The
navigation information can also be prepared in such a way that it
can be immediately processed further in electronic form, for
example for an augmented reality system. By way of example, the
medical practitioner may use spectacles or a head-up display which
facilitates the superposition of such navigation information. This
facilitates guiding and informing the medical practitioner during
the treatment, without the latter having to interrupt the treatment
in order to look up information.
[0047] The invention furthermore relates to a bone replacement
which is produced or producible according to a method according to
the present invention.
[0048] In order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the
entirety of the previous description in respect of further features
and advantages of the bone replacement. The explanations made there
in respect of the bone replacement apply correspondingly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0049] A person skilled in the art will gather further features and
advantages from the exemplary embodiments which are described below
with reference to the attached drawings.
[0050] In the drawings:
[0051] FIG. 1: shows a system for the automated production of a
bone replacement,
[0052] FIG. 2: shows gingiva with a cavity and a tooth,
[0053] FIG. 3: shows a first exemplary embodiment of a bone
replacement, and
[0054] FIG. 4: shows a second exemplary embodiment of a bone
replacement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0055] FIG. 1 shows a system 100 for producing a bone replacement
10.
[0056] The system 100 has a computed tomography (CT) scanner 110. A
couch 120, on which a patient 130 lies in the present case, is
arranged in front of said computed tomography scanner. The couch
120 can be inserted into the computed tomography scanner 110 such
that the patient 130 can be examined by means of the computed
tomography scanner 110. In particular, this allows the measurement
of a cavity in a bone of the patient 130, for which a bone
replacement is intended to be produced. In particular, this can be
used to measure a cavity for receiving a tooth and also the tooth
situated therein.
[0057] The system 100 further comprises a computer 140 which is
connected to the computed tomography scanner 110 for the purposes
of receiving data. Depending on its measurement of the patient 130,
the computed tomography scanner 110 produces initial data which are
supplied to the computer 140. Said data may be both indicative for
a cavity in a bone of the patient 130 and indicative for a bone to
be imitated, for example a tooth for which a prosthesis is intended
to be produced. It should be noted that the computed tomography
scanner 110 may also be controlled by the computer 140.
[0058] The computer 140 is configured to convert the initial data
into computer-aided design (CAD) data. These CAD data may be
displayed to a user such that the latter can carry out a check
which prevents subsequent processing steps from using incorrect
data.
[0059] A so-called 3D volume model, i.e. a virtual model, of the
bone replacement is produced for the CAD processing. The 3D volume
model is usually used in a CAD program as a construction basis for
the design of a new 3D model. However, the 3D model may be modified
also in the present form or by being complemented with further 3D
models from data libraries.
[0060] Depending on the CAD data, the computer 140 subsequently
produces processing data which specify how a bone replacement is
intended to be produced. When producing the processing data,
parameters such as the type of cavity and the position of the
cavity in the body of the patient 130 are also taken into
account.
[0061] Subsequently, a finite element analysis is applied to the
processing data. Here too, data in respect of the position of the
cavity in the body of the patient 130 and data in respect of a
possible occlusion of the cavity and a surrounding bone structure
are taken into account.
[0062] The produced processing data are subsequently optimized by
means of specific algorithms in order to design the subsequent
automated processing and use of the processing data to be as
efficient and reliable as possible.
[0063] Furthermore, the system 100 has a machine tool 150. The
processing data that are produced and prepared in the computer 140
are supplied to this machine tool 150. The machine tool 150 has a
processing tool 155 which, in a manner known per se, is received in
the machine tool 150. In particular, this may be a drill or any
other material-ablating device.
[0064] The system 100 further has a toolholder 160 adjacent to the
machine tool 150. Received in the toolholder 160 is a blank of a
bone replacement 10 in order to anchor the latter for the
processing by means of the tool 155. The machine tool 150 is
embodied to produce the bone replacement 10 in a fully automated
manner on the basis of the processing data while said bone
replacement is held by the toolholder 160.
[0065] After the production of the bone replacement 10, the latter
may be separately inserted into the computed tomography scanner 110
in order to be checked. To this end, use can be made of, for
example, a special holder. Here, once again, appropriate data are
produced depending on the measured bone replacement 10, said data
being transmitted to the computer 140. The latter compares the
actual state to the intended state and decides whether [0066] the
bone replacement 10 can be used without change, [0067] the bone
replacement 10 requires post-processing, or [0068] the bone
replacement 10 was produced so badly that it cannot be used and
must be disposed of.
[0069] In the case where post-processing is necessary, the computer
140 is able to produce appropriate processing data for the machine
tool 150, said data allowing automated post-processing of the bone
replacement 10. The bone replacement 10 can then be inserted anew
into the toolholder 160 for post-processing purposes.
[0070] FIG. 2 shows a portion of gingiva 20 with a cavity 25 formed
therein. It is understood that the structure of the gingiva 20 is
set by a jawbone which is covered by the gingiva 20. Thus, the
cavity 25 is also received in the jawbone. A tooth 30 or tooth
replacement 30 is received in the cavity 25. It should be noted
that this can be, in particular, natural gingiva 20 and a natural
tooth 30. By way of example, the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 can
be used to measure the cavity 25 and/or the tooth or tooth
replacement 30 and hence produce a replacement for the tooth or
tooth replacement 30, said replacement being provided in the form
of a bone replacement 10 and fitting exactly into the cavity
25.
[0071] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a bone replacement
10 in the form of an artificial tooth. Here, the tooth is
subdivided into a tooth implant 12, a dental prosthesis and a
prosthesis crown/bridge absorption component 14 that connects the
tooth implant 12 and the dental prosthesis 16. These three
constituent parts 12, 14, 16 of the tooth 10 can all be produced
separately in an automated manner by means of the apparatus 100. As
already mentioned further above, it is possible to measure a cavity
25, as a result of which, in particular, the structure of the tooth
implant 12 is set. It is likewise possible to measure the structure
of a tooth 30, in particular the surface structure thereof, in the
computed tomography scanner 110 in order to set the structure of
the dental prosthesis 16. The prosthesis crown/bridge absorption
component 14 can be produced in an automated manner, or else
manually, at the computer 140.
[0072] FIG. 4 shows a bone replacement 10 which is embodied as an
integral tooth or tooth replacement. The separation into individual
constituent parts, explained with reference to FIG. 3, is
consequently not effectuated. Instead, the tooth or the tooth
replacement can be produced in one operation from a blank or
material by means of the machine tool 150.
[0073] In order to improve the adhesion in the jawbone and/or
gingiva and in order to improve the growing together with the
jawbone and/or gingiva, a coating 18 is applied to the jawbone
and/or gingiva contact region of the tooth. This is a porous
coating into or onto which the jawbone and/or the gingiva can grow.
Such a coating 18 can be applied, in particular, after/during the
processing by means of the system 100, for example within the scope
of a chemical process.
[0074] It should be mentioned that, in parallel with the processing
data, the computer 140 can also, in particular, produce data in
respect of medical instruments to be used and in respect of
navigation data. This simplifies the provision of the instruments
necessary for an intervention for a treating medical practitioner
and also facilitates, for the latter, the use of advanced
navigation and assistance devices such as e.g. spectacles or a
head-up display with the option of superimposing appropriate
information. Such embodiments may also be referred to as augmented
reality.
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